Udo said, “I had heard but I didn’t believe it. Excuse me then. Lady Starling, I would appreciate your presence for a private conference.”
His words sent a roll of murmured disbelief over the crowd that Starling found all too familiar. She smiled up at Udo. After curtsying to him, she took his hand. “It would be my pleasure.”
Udo chuckled as he led her behind his throne to his private audience chamber. It looked vastly different from Bekion’s. It had no desk, only two wide, cushy-looking couches. The room also lacked bookshelves or cabinets or anything else to make it appear as an office.
Starling looked back when Udo closed the door. Her joking attitude faded. She was alone with him now. What did he want?
She wanted to ask him but knew such a question might betray her anxiety, which would make Udo suspicious.
He asked, “Do you require assistance sitting?”
Starling looked at the couch and sighed. “Yes, though I hate to admit it. Jattikan furniture is too big.” She reached upward.
Udo grasped her waist, set her on the edge of the couch and then stepped back. He took up position on the one opposite from her. They sat in silence for a few breaths. Starling didn’t know what to expect and she wouldn’t start talking lest she educate Udo about the wrong thing.
He said, “I’ve heard many rumors coming from Panagiota. That fact has saddened me greatly. Only good news has ever reached my ears in the last three years of Bekion’s rule. I thought he would be different from his mother.”
“He isn’t a thing like Tinette,” Starling yelled, angry at the insult. If she had anything to say about it, Bekion would never be like his mother. “Have you even met her?”
“A few times. Many times during her reign she came close to spending the rest of her days in an imperial prison. My agents could never find solid proof with which to convict her. Her own husband became a fugitive of the empire to keep her secrets safe.”
Starling bowed her head. The less she said about that subject the better. Tinette may not be a queen any longer but Gorov didn’t have laws concerning statutes of limitations. Tinette’s crimes would lead to a death sentence if anyone ever found her husband.
Udo said, “I see you have heard that story.”
She crossed her arms and kept her gaze on her lap.
Udo chuckled. “Be easy, little one. I couldn’t care less about Tinette and her past. If she is stupid enough to slip in her old age and reveal something that would condemn her then I will deal with it when that circumstance occurs. My immediate concern is Bekion.”
She lifted her gaze to his face. “Why? From all I’ve learned, Panagiota has prospered and become a jewel in the Gorov crown thanks to Bekion. What could you possibly have against him?”
“You.”
“What’s that mean?” She knew exactly what he meant but played dumb.
“All the rumors I’ve heard are about you, Lady Starling. They brand Bekion a pet-lover. People speak of a movement to make Earth humans citizens of the Gorov Empire with equal rights. They say Bekion started that movement.” He paused and waited.
Starling met his gaze but said nothing. She knew nothing of this movement he mentioned. And she had nothing to say about her sexual relationship with Bekion. Denying it would be a lie Udo would probably read in her manner. Affirming his statement was out of the question.
Udo sat back against the cushions of the couch as he regarded her. He seemed to come to a conclusion. “My grandfather ten generations ago enacted the law that branded humans as animals and copulating with them as bestiality.”
“Bekion said it was because he thought humans were inferior.”
“That couldn’t be further from the truth but it is the lie passed down over the centuries.”
“So what’s the truth?”
“The father of my grandfather ten generations removed married a human. She was his empress and ruled Gorov at his side.”
“Bullshit!”
He laughed. “I see I’ve surprised you.”
“Did they have a nasty breakup or something? Does that mean you’re part human?” Starling couldn’t see it if he was. That had to mean humans and jattikans could have children.
“Though my ancestor had children with his human bride, none of those children survived long enough to have offspring. I am a full-blooded jattikan. And my ancestor loved his human wife until her dying day.”
Starling deflated, though her disappointment didn’t lessen her interest in the topic. “Go on.”
“My ancestor had six children—four with his human wife and two with his jattikan wife. His half-human children didn’t live long. Jattikan-human hybrids are born one of two ways—with jattikan height and human-sized organs or human height and jattikan-sized organs. In both instances, the children are born sterile. They die painful deaths at an early age. Their organs are either overtaxed or crushed.”
“Even with nanotechnology?”
“The only reason my ancestor had four children with his human wife was because he’d hoped science could help them conceive a child that would live out a full life and have children of its own. Every instance met with failure. Several others around the empire experienced the same.”
Starling mourned on behalf of those who had lost their children in such a painful way. The thought of Bekion selling her children—not that she thought he would do that now—had depressed her beyond measure. She couldn’t imagine having a child just to watch it die.
Udo said, “The heartbreak of losing so many children so tragically drove my ancestor’s wife into a deep depression that eventually claimed her life. He remarried and had his twin jattikan children within a year after his first wife’s death. It was said my ancestor became a changed man after that. His rule turned rigid and he passed many strict laws.”
“Including naming humans animals.”
“No. He did nullify all jattikan-human marriages and made it illegal to take a human as a spouse. He could think of no other way to keep others from repeating his mistake. His son named humans beasts. He hated his father’s love for his first wife. That same love kept his father from truly caring for his second wife and the children she gave him.”
“That’s so sad.”
“It took two generations for humans to become a new, exotic pet. Their culture went from one of equality to one of slave. There were those who didn’t accept the change. The pet-lovers make sure no child results so there is no proof of their transgression.”
“Makes sense.”
“Even the way the humans look now is because of my ancestor. We’d taken thousands of humans over the centuries. No reason exists for them to be as inbred as they are.”
“But you did it…he did it so they looked less like jattikans.”
“Yes. It worked to a certain extent. But there are those who don’t care and those who buy from poachers.” Udo sat forward, bracing his elbows on his knees. “Which brings us to the present and you.”
Starling scooted off the couch. “I’ll be right back. I want you to meet someone.” She walked away before Udo gave her permission. He didn’t stop her.
She exited the audience chamber to the throne room. It quieted the second she appeared beside Udo’s throne. Everyone looked anxious. Bekion had a question in his eyes but she didn’t acknowledge it or him.
Instead, she beckoned Webber over. Unfortunately, Bekion came with him.
She took Webber’s hand in hers and turned back to the audience chamber.
Bekion reached for her. “Starling—”
“Udo and I are having a nice chat. Don’t ruin it.” She met his gaze and hoped he gathered her meaning from that single look.
Bekion dropped his hand and stepped back. “Of course, I…make sure not to insult the supreme emperor. We are his guests.”
“I know. We’re fine.”
Bekion glanced into the room. He hesitated for several breaths before returning to his former spot.
Starling closed the door then le
d Webber to Udo. She said, “Supreme Emperor Udo, this is Webber Logan, my mate. Tinette acquired him for me because she knew I was lonely and wanted a companion.”
“But you…” Udo stood and walked closer to them. He peered at Webber. “That uniform. You are a knight of Panagiota. You’re jattikan, aren’t you?”
Webber grinned. “Nope. I’m a human guard dog. Unlike Starling, I can do more than look pretty.”
Starling would have hit him for that comment but it wasn’t the appropriate time.
Webber said, “I was on the same transport as Starling at the same time. Everyone kept mistaking me for a short jattikan, so no one bought me.” Webber held out his hand to Udo. “Nice to meet you.”
“And you.” Udo continued staring at Webber in disbelief even as they shook hands. “I did not realize humans had gotten so tall over the years.”
Webber said, “I’m the runt in my mother’s particular litter.”
“Runt?”
“My brothers are taller.”
“Taller?”
Starling smiled at Udo’s disbelief and confusion. “You all haven’t been keeping that close an eye on Earth, have you?”
Udo shook his head. “No. There was no reason once my ancestor outlawed harvesting from Earth.” He looked Webber over once more. “Fascinating. And you say he is your mate? Don’t you worry for your children?”
Starling said, “No. They’ll probably be his height. All the people in my family are tall. I also happen to be the runt in my family. But in my case, I was born much, much shorter than everyone else. My mother says it happens every few generations. Mine just happened to be the lucky winner.”
Udo’s expression turned thoughtful. “You think parading a mate before me will convince me you are not Bekion’s lover?”
She watched him. That had actually been her hope. She wanted it to work. She didn’t have any other ideas.
“A child with your mate would have worked better.”
“I haven’t known Webber long. I’m not the type of girl to fall into bed with men I’ve just met. And if we had gotten hot and heavy on the first night, I wouldn’t have children to parade before you because I would still be pregnant.”
Webber said, “Besides, pregnant or not, you wouldn’t be any less skeptical.”
“You speak truth.” Udo returned to the couch and gestured for them to do the same.
Webber gave her a hand up then hopped up beside her.
Udo said, “You are much smarter than I gave you credit for, Lady Starling. I thought you might betray something to prove true the rumors I’ve heard.”
Starling cocked her head to the side. Genuine curiosity made her ask, “Do you hate Bekion that much?”
“On the contrary, I’m quite fond of him. That’s why I hoped the rumors I heard were wrong.”
Both she and Webber kept their silence. They didn’t look at each other either. Starling appreciated that Webber knew what to do without prompting from her. They watched and waited.
Udo sighed. “I will not act on rumors alone. That doesn’t mean I think they are false. You’ve given me no reason to believe, without a doubt, that they are true. Until such time as you or some other does, I will consider this matter at an end.”
“Might I make a suggestion?” Starling stood and went to Udo, placing her hands on his knees. “On Earth, in my country, they used to have a saying that helped a lot in situations like this.”
Webber gave a chuckling snort.
She smiled up at Udo and said, “Don’t ask. Don’t tell.”
Udo asked, “That’s highly simplistic, don’t you think?”
“But it works…right?”
Udo lifted one of her hands to his lips. “Right.” He stood. “Shall we return?”
* * * * *
Bekion watched as Udo exited the audience chamber with Starling and Webber on either side of him. They smiled and laughed with each other.
Something inside him loosened when Starling walked toward him. Webber winked at him as they drew closer. Bekion took that as a good sign and turned his gaze to Udo, who retook his throne.
Udo said, “I enjoyed my visit with your lovely pets, King Bekion. I envy you Starling’s company.”
Bekion bowed his head. “Thank you, My Emperor.”
“But meeting her was not the purpose of my calling you here. I have heard of your search for a bride.”
“It has yet to yield a candidate I find worthy.”
“To that end, I offer one candidate for your consideration.” Udo gestured behind Bekion. “My niece, Countess Minari, last-born daughter of my younger sister, the queen of Yras.”
Bekion turned and faced this new surprise. He’d dreamed of the worst possible scenario when Udo summoned him to court two months earlier than his regularly scheduled visit. The thought that his emperor had a prospective bride for him wasn’t among Bekion’s imaginings.
Minari walked toward Bekion, wearing a mildly annoyed expression. She looked him over even as he regarded her.
A riot of red-gold ringlets topped her head. The style appeared natural rather than an effect her maid had achieved. Even with such a hairdo, she appeared every bit an adult. No one could mistake this beauty with upturned, feline-esque yellow eyes and full lips for a child. Her tight, plunging-neckline dress hugged her generous full curves, proclaiming her fully matured.
She was a beautiful woman. Bekion swallowed, trying to wet his suddenly dry throat. Marrying Minari would put him in the succession line for the throne should anything happen to Udo and his children. The thought made him equal parts giddy and scared.
He faced Udo once more. “Surely your niece could be offered to a husband more worthy, Supreme Emperor Udo.”
Udo said, “And that is you, King Bekion. Lady Starling has convinced me of that. Your rule of Panagiota is to be praised and emulated. I think my niece would make you a proper wife and Panagiota, a worthy queen.”
“Is this an order or a suggestion, My Emperor?”
To Bekion’s ears, it sounded like an order—one Bekion shouldn’t turn down or else he might undo all Starling had done for him, whatever that was. He wanted this session to end so he could question Starling about her conversation with Udo. And what had been Webber’s role?
Minari said, “My uncle is making a suggestion, King Bekion, because he knows the choice of whom I marry is up to me. Not even the power of supreme emperor gives him the right to dictate a husband to me.”
Udo heaved an annoyed sigh and rolled his eyes. “On that point, my niece speaks truth. I promised her mother she could choose her husband. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t make suggestions. I would like for you two to get to know one another at least.”
Bekion bowed. “You requested my presence for the month, My Emperor. My time is yours.”
“Excellent.” Udo looked at Minari.
She said in a grudging voice, “It would be an honor to spend time with you, King Bekion. I have heard much about you. Some of it seems highly unlikely given your short term as king. Perhaps this month will reveal what is truth and what is rumor.”
She held her hand out to him.
Bekion took her small hand in his and bowed over it, laying a kiss against her knuckles. “I hope I can live up to your expectations of me, Countess Minari.”
Udo said, “Retire to your chambers for now, King Bekion. I know you must be tired from your long trip. We shall speak at length during dinner tonight.”
Bekion bowed to Udo and then ushered Starling and Webber out of the room. He couldn’t get to his designated apartment fast enough. He left Webber to Nausic and hurried on to his chamber.
Once behind closed doors, he faced Starling.
She said, “Minari seems nice. She’s very pretty, Bekion.”
“She is but that doesn’t concern me at this moment.” He lifted her against his chest but didn’t deposit her on the bed. Instead, he held her tight and inhaled her scent. “You don’t know how hard it was for me to let
you meet with Udo alone.”
She hugged him and he tightened his grip. She said, “It was fine. It seems rumors of our relationship have reached Gorov.”
“I’d thought as much. How did you convince him they were false?”
“I didn’t. I’m not about to lie to a supreme emperor.”
Bekion pulled back so he could see her face. “Then what did you say when he asked you?”
“He didn’t ask me, not flat out. He hinted at the question but never came right out and asked. Udo likes you, Bekion. He wanted an excuse not to have to punish you. Since I didn’t confirm anything, he’s decided to let the matter drop.”
“Good then.”
“However, if someone presents him with irrefutable proof, you’re in big trouble.”
He loosened his hold on Starling and set her down. “The next few days will test my control more than I care to think about.” He shoved his hand through his hair. He knew he and Starling would have to abstain to keep from being caught. He hadn’t predicted the difficulty of not touching her.
His body knew her touch. When he only had hints, it was easy to deny her. Now… He stalked to the bed and sat.
Starling crossed to him. **I have something to tell you.** She grinned as she said the words.
Her use of English let Bekion know her next words were of utmost importance. If Udo had a way to spy, he wouldn’t understand the conversation. Bekion still hadn’t made the translations public. He didn’t know if he ever would.
He pulled Starling across his lap, making sure she sat against his hard arousal. That little bit of contact relieved and tortured him simultaneously. **What is it?**
He listened as Starling relayed all that Udo had told her. He couldn’t believe half of what she said. The other half seemed too improbable even to consider. **Are you sure you didn’t misunderstand him, Starling? I can’t believe his ancestor declared copulating with humans bestiality because of the misery he endured from lack of attention from his father.**
**But it makes sense. His father did what he did because of his children. Even you were worried about a child.**
**Because everyone would realize it was a half-breed. I never thought the child would be in danger.** He hugged her tighter. **It’s unfair to you and the other Earth-origin humans but I understand the necessity of it now.**
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